The hotel, originally opened in 1873 as the Midland Grand Hotel and designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, is a Grade I listed building that has long been one of London’s most iconic structures. The rebranding introduces a guest experience that draws on the hotel’s rich 150-year history, blending tradition with a more personalized and contemporary approach to hospitality.
The renovation, which began in January 2024, spans the hotel’s Barlow House and Chambers Suites, and aims to preserve its original architectural features while enhancing the overall guest experience. This includes new rituals and sensory details inspired by the hotel’s past.
‘This new identity gives renewed meaning to every stage of the customer journey,’ ‘It allows us to honour the heritage of the building while offering a personal, thoughtful experience designed to stay with our guests long after they have left.’ – Ed White, Managing Director of St Pancras London.
Daily rituals have been designed to honor significant milestones in the hotel’s history, such as the 7:35 pm G&Tea ritual, which marks the closure of the Midland Grand in 1935, and the 5:05 pm punch ritual celebrating the hotel’s opening in 1873. Additionally, poetry sessions at 8:11 pm commemorate the hotel’s reopening in 2011, with readings from Sir John Betjeman’s poetry.
The hotel’s 245 rooms and suites maintain original features such as arched windows and high ceilings, while incorporating contemporary design elements. Other notable features include the Booking Office 1869 restaurant, housed in the former station ticket hall, and The Hansom bar, named after the horse-drawn cabs that once lined the hotel’s forecourt.
‘St Pancras London is exactly the type of property that the Autograph Collection was created to celebrate – rich in character, rooted in place and steeped in history,’ ‘This new chapter brings that history to life in a way that is both intentional and unforgettable.’- Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President Premium & Select Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.
Autograph Collection Hotels continues to expand its European presence with new openings in key markets. The brand has recently debuted in Croatia with the The Isolano, Cres, Autograph Collection and in Hungary, with the opening of the Dorothea Hotel, Budapest, Autograph Collection.
Furthemore, it has been added a third property in Madrid, strengthening its footprint in Spain. Additionally, new hotels has been transformed in Bad Reichenhall, Germany, and in Vienna, Austria there was the recent opening of the Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection. These openings reflect the brand’s strategy to offer unique and upscale experiences across diverse European cities.
The hotel’s location, above St Pancras International and King’s Cross stations, connects guests to both the West End and Paris via the Eurostar, offering a convenient base for those seeking to experience both the city’s heritage and its modern vibrancy.
